[AIDS--comparison of knowledge, attitude and behavior of Hannover and Leipzig medical students]

An investigation was carried out in students of the faculties of medicine at Hannover and Leipzig by handling a questionnaire on their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes on AIDS. The sample was 354 at Hannover and 365 at Leipzig consisting of students at the beginning of the first course on the one hand and at the end of studies on the other, both in 1990/91. In the two cities an acceptable knowledge was found of the basic generals of HIV-transmission. Differences appeared at the estimation on behalf of infection-risks by non detectable transmission ways. There is no worth mentioning difference in the students' knowledge between the first and the fifth academic year. On the contrary, uncertainties are stronger marked at the end of the courses than in the beginning. Students' attitudes are very similar in Hannover and Leipzig. Significant differences between Hannover and Leipzig are demonstrable especially on beliefs. Medical students in Leipzig tend sooner to be in favour for interventional measures by the public authorities, clearly visible by their advocating a wide use of HIV-test application to patients, clinic staff and other health professionals even against their will. The students in Hannover are more liberal in this point. Altogether the comparison between Hannover and Leipzig shows a lot of equalities. Existing differences may be on the way to disappear within the farther process of German unification.